Planning magazine suggests the recent court ruling on the policy test for establishing the likelihood of identified sites actually being developed should give councils a firmer basis for showing a five-year supply.

Nicky Linihan, housing delivery specialist at the Planning Officers Society, said the judgment provides "helpful clarification" on how councils and developers should apply this part of the NPPF. She also welcomed its recognition that local planning authorities do not control the market. "They are doing all they can to facilitate housebuilding, but other factors beyond their control may mean that sites don't come forward," she said.

Nicky linihan

Court judgement: St Modwen Developments Limited v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government & Ors. Case Number: C1/2016/2001